𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 With flickering hope and enthusiasm, hundreds of pre-service teachers marched together with their parents and guardians on Wednesday, January 31, to celebrate their 5th Pinning and Torch Lighting Ceremony, marking the start of their teaching internship journey. With the theme “Seedbed of Globally Competitive Future Educators,” College of Education (COEd) Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio, applauded the dedication and perseverance of the pre-service teachers, including their parents, for reaching this milestone. “I am grateful that you have chosen to be our next generation of teachers because those seven semesters are no joke. You persevered to withstand the weakening of academics despite the [many] adversities and difficulties in this competitive education, and you made it this far with your parents,” she exclaimed. “To our pre-service teachers, continue to grow, learn, and lead. You are not just the future; you are the present, making a difference today that will reverberate across generations,” Dr. Gregorio concluded. Unfolding the reality in the teaching profession, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed that the teaching profession requires ‘sacrifice’ as difficulties co-existed in the profession. “Minsan malakaw kamo sa baha, minsan may bagyo, maamay na mamata, all the sacrifices, even stories of teachers crossing rivers and climbing mountains whenever they are assigned to far-flung areas just to deliver the services to our children,” he told the future educators as they convened inside the university gymnasium. “Ang pagiging maestro buda maestra maagi sa pagsakripisyo," he implored. Echoing similar sentiment from an official of the education department, Schools Division Superintendent of Catanduanes Socorro V. Dela Rosa, CESO V, shared the various adversities in teaching, including the ‘low salary’, but these would ‘blur’ out with the teachers’ commitment and determination to educate the future generation. “I have understood that teaching entails a lot of sacrifices, the distance that makes you apart from your family, the difficulty in traveling, which will take you a day to reach the place, the low salary you have to budget, let both ends meet, ‘yong paglalakad sa baha, ‘yong paggising nang maaga, and a lot more. But again, commitment and strong determination blurred all of these,” she stressed. Describing the pre-service teachers as ‘bearers of knowledge’, the superintendent also believed that they are ‘now prepared to become a teacher committed to solving the sins of learning for every child, and light that will illuminate the dark world through teaching and learning.’
Emphasizing the crucial role of attitude in shaping one's success, SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, echoed Zig Ziglar’s quote, “Your attitude will determine your altitude” to incoming student interns from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS) during a Pre-Internship Seminar held at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) auditorium, January 31, 2024. Ms. Julienne Christine B. Tolentino, Senior Human Resource Specialist of the Civil Service Commission - Catanduanes Field Office, pinned on similar sentiments highlighting the importance of working with passion and giving one's hundred percent, providing a foundation for success in the professional world.“When it comes to working, it is important to work with passion, and always give your hundred percent,” Tolentino said, further urging students to uphold professionalism, follow a strong work ethic, and be mindful of workplace etiquette.The seminar, attended by students from BA Political Science, BS Economics, and Bachelor's in Public Administration, aimed to prepare them for their off-campus internships. Led by Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio (Dean of CHUMSS), Prof. Josephine V. Torrente (GAD College Coordinator), Dr. Rommel R. Regala (Chairperson, Social Science Department), and respective Internship Coordinators, the event focused on creating safe spaces for future professionals, promoting work ethics, values, and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.The seminar also featured Atty. Jozem Niño I. Morales, who provided insights into the Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces Act, offering practical advice on addressing workplace harassment within the legal framework.
As they prepare for their upcoming off-campus internship, students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) from the College of Science (COS) and Women’s Club undertook a Gender and Development orientation seminar on Anti-Sexual Harassment, held at the Little Theater on January 24, 2024.A total of 195 incoming OJT students from COS attended the orientation, as per requirements and preparation to the students who will take an On-the-Job training program outside the campus.Present in the orientation seminar are the College of Science faculty, Prof. Maribel Ralla (GAD College Coordinator), Prof. Ma. Luz Floralde (Chairperson, Natural Science Department), Prof. Cecille Arcilla, and the invited resource speaker, Atty. Rene John M. Velasco.Atty. Velasco delivered an informative talk on the Republic Act 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, focusing on its provisions declaring sexual harassment as unlawful in employment, education, or training environments.Through his talk, he gave insights about the law, and gave advice on how the interns should act and respond when they encounter incidents in their internship that are related to this law such as unwanted touching, receiving gifts, private messages, and hearing malicious words and catcalls from the employer to his/her employee.“The purpose of having this discussion is to protect you and make you aware, especially since you will be deployed to various companies and may encounter different types of harassment,” Atty. Velasco said.During the open forum, Atty. Velasco clarified that the law deems gifts as problematic if they are "unwanted, unwarranted, uninvited, and unwelcome," cautioning against assuming dark motives without discerning the context.Atty. Velasco also discussed the Safe Spaces Act, or the Bawal Bastos Law, as an updated version of RA 7877, underscoring the need for awareness of potential harassment scenarios in future professional experiences.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) partners with Help.NGO, an international organization specialized in emergency response and preparedness, convened employees from local government units, national agencies, and academe for a two-day training, exploring the operations of unmanned aerial systems.Philippines Innovation and IT Director of Help.NGO Matthew Cua, explained on the first day, January 25, the fundamentals of drone operations, enumerated the different types of drones, and demonstrated on how to use the unmanned aircrafts.He also underscored the technology's important role in disaster response and preparedness."Drones can assess and identify high risk areas, document damaged infrastructure in post-disaster situations, and even spot safe sites and evacuation routes," he exclaimed.With the drone mapping, he added that it encourages locals to build safer and more sustainable locations.Apart from disaster response, drones are also a tool in assessing the health of crops according to Director Cua.Present also in the activity was Help.NGO’s Philippines Expert on Mission Jose Felix, together with Poland Communications Director Agata Klat and Provincial Administrator Eulalia Talaran who represented Gov. Joseph C. Cua, as well as other CatSU officials. Prior to this, the team had already met CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza who expressed his delight and gratitude on the said partnership. He further emphasized the significance of disaster management projects that the partnership could bring in realizing the goal of making the institution a National Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management. The two-day training, in collaboration with ACE-HEMS through Professor Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, and Abaca Technology Innovation Center led by its director, Assistant Professor Abelisa Evangelista, will run from January 25-26.
𝐸𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎCatanduanes State University (CatSU) and the Philippine Air Force have united in a joint effort to educate and empower youth about campus security and national development in a Campus Peace and Development Forum, September 12 at the university auditorium.The forum was attended by the National Service Training Program (NSTP) students and the Catanduanes National High School Organizations' Officers. Mario John D. Gonzales, OIC Provincial Officer, DICT Region V-Catanduanes, stressed the importance of cybersecurity awareness."Our identities are stolen because tayo rin ang nagpopost. Minsan IDs, address, email address pinopost natin, kahit nga pictures natin, take care po. Kayong mga nakakatanda, i-guide niyo ang mga kapatid niyo sa paggamit ng cellphones, " he said.Moreover, Angel Trinidad, RTFS SARM Representative and Subject Matter Expert, discussed 'Communist Terrorist Group Recruitment and Infiltration,' emphasizing the vulnerability of young individuals. Meanwhile, 2 LT. Feliciano Jose A. Millado provided insights into Philippine Air Force (PAF) Recruitments and Benefits, highlighting opportunities within the armed forces. #ATugay
𝐸𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza led a lively motorcade honoring the university's accomplished athletes, September 11.The event recognized CatSU's remarkable achievement as the 3rd Runner-Up in the recent Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) event.Dr. Azanza, at the forefront of the motorcade, took the opportunity to pay tribute to the dedicated delegates who contributed to Catanduanes' impressive medal haul of 13 Golds, 47 Silvers, and 34 Bronzes at the regional SCUAA.Moreover, Dr. Azanza expressed deep gratitude to Governor Joseph "Boboy" Cua for his support, lauding the latter's commitment to the CatSU athletes and the integral role played in their success. In response, Governor Cua pledged continuous support to CatSU athletes as they gear up for the forthcoming National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (NSCUAA) event in Tarlac. #ATugay
Achieving the highest honor as part of the youth’s most outstanding solid group, one of the delegates of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Donna Mae N. Ramirez, was awarded of the much-coveted Magnus Medal and Magnus Testimonial during the 10th Philippines I Transform! Young Leaders' Convention (PITYLC).For 22-year-old interim editor-in-chief of CatSU Statesman, the award that the members of her team received represents their commitment and dedication to notch a remarkable feat. “The honor belongs not only to me but also to my extraordinary team, the SG 11, who has labored and bridged the gap considering that we are from different regions in the Philippines to achieve excellence,” Ramirez wrote in her Facebook post on August 21.“I am now excited to share the learnings with my community and to the University as it will reflect the experiences I acquired,” she added while looking forward to steering an echo-training of the five-day event at the university.The Magnus Medal award was bestowed to an individual or group of participants who exemplifies remarkable performance throughout the conduct of the 10th PITYLC.Bearing the theme “A Decade of Action, Championing Sustainable Communities," other CatSU delegates who took part in the event were University Student Council President Francine Mae Tayo, together with her Vice President, Richard Abenir, and Christian Sta. Ines.Joining also different academic contests in the leadership training, Ramirez participated in English essay writing, while Abenir joined the advocacy photo contest and Sta. Ines took part in poster making. Apart from showcasing young leaders’ talents, the annual convention provides an opportunity for them to harness their leadership capabilities and become transformational leaders who are capable of making lasting impacts on the community.“We are the leaders of today, and we have the power to be the leaders of tomorrow,” the Magnus Medal awardee concluded. Yesterday, August 21, was the last day of the five-day leadership training organized by Youthlead Philippines, which kicked off on August 17 at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. #AGC
Catanduanes State University’s newest students were warmly welcomed through the Academic Year Starter event spearheaded by the University Student Council on Monday, August 14, the first day of school, held at the CatSU gymnasium.The event — which features remarks from university officials and student leaders, and showcasing booths from various colleges — marks the students’ entry into the CatSU community.University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza welcomed the first-year students inside a jam-packed gymnasium, noting that this was the pioneer batch who will enjoy the benefits of different projects in the university such as the four brand new buses, student center, and library to name a few.“Ang apat na bagong bus na maabot ay hari an sa savings kan university. Patunay na pagmatanos ang pamamayo sa unibersidad, gabalik sa mga estudyante ang biyaya,” the president shared. “Yaasahan ko na dae niyo sasayangon ang free education kan gobyerno ta iyan ang mabag'o kan puturo nindo pati kan saindong pamilya,” he reminded the newest students of the university and asked everyone to cheer 'Mabuhay ang CatSU'.Joining the president, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo also expressed her warm welcome and Office of the Students Affairs and Development Services (OSADS) Director Prof. Francis John B. Templonuevo assured the student-attendees that “student’s welfare is always a top priority” of their office. Following the event, the first-year students will embark on a campus tour in the afternoon which is dubbed as ‘Freshies Walk’ by USC. As of today, August 14, 12,128 undergraduates were enrolled for the first semester, 4,123 of whom are first-year students, according to the university registrar. #AGC
The tradition of excellence lives on as the Catanduanes State University - Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (CatSU-JPIA) bagged major awards in the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) - Region V Council’s Year-End Awards (YEA) held at the Royal Emelina in Naga City on July 22, 2023.Garnering the highest points among the 14 participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the CatSU-JPIA was hailed as the Most Outstanding Local Chapter across bicol for their consistent display of exemplary performance throughout the federation year 2022-2023.With their high-level commitment to conducting local chapter activities and active participation in regional and national activities, CatSU-JPIA was also conferred with the awards as the Most Active Local Chapter and Most Productive Local Chapter in the NFJPIA – Region V community.According to CatSU-JPIA President Darcy Rinsfer B. Tabor, who also won the Most Outstanding Local Chapter President, the key to winning these awards was the members’ commitment to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as JPIA officers, underscoring their willingness to explore and carry out the organization’s projects.He likewise commended the university’s all-out support when it comes to implementing their projects and letting them participate in various regional and national activities, which became their edge over other JPIA local chapters.“The university’s support became our edge among the different local chapters. They allowed us to participate in different opportunities and activities in this federation year whereas others are somewhat strict and did not allow them to participate. ”“This only show that CatSU and CatSU-JPIA can keep up or even become more productive, progressive, and competitive despite the prestige and calibers of different colleges and universities,” Tabor added.Recognizing the legacy left by the previous federation officers of JPIA-CatSU, Tabor reflected on how it inspired his current administration to remain dedicated to bringing honor to the university and to continue the legacy of CatSU-JPIA.“As the president of JPIA-CatSU, I always tell my officers to stand firm to their sworn duties and responsibilities, explore, and expand our networks to preserve and continue the legacy of JPIA-CatSU… These awards reflect how the previous federation officers of JPIA-CatSU made an impact on the dedication and commitment of this year’s federation officers, advisers, and members,” Tabor recounted.
Organized by the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Dean, Dr. Edwin Romero, a playing coach himself, in collaboration with Catanduanes Lawn Tennis Club (CLTC), the clinic saw an impressive turnout of budding tennis enthusiasts and concluded with success during the awarding ceremony, August 3, 2023, at the new CatSU Sports Complex.The 2-week free lawn tennis clinic, which started on June 15, 2023, was joined by a total of 23 children and young adults in this event sponsored by the CLTC, with members based in different parts of the world.CLTC President, Ms. Francez Khu Camacho, said they selected the participants to provide them free training in basic tennis strokes, game scoring and ballboy basics.“This is part of our advocacies, to discover young tennis players with potential, and help them qualify in the basic training course, proceed to the advance course,” she remarked.Dean Romero echoed and shared that having such clinic sessions are an important way to test the players’ mettle after learning from instructors.“Ang pinaka goal po talaga is paramihin ang mga batang tenista sa Catanduanes, para hindi tayo maubusan ng supply ng mga tennis players sa isla na pwedeng ilaban sa mga competitions outside the province like Bicol Meet, SCUAA, Bicol Open, and even National tournaments.”CatSU president, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, whom the tennis clinic was named after, graced the event along with the participants’ parents. He was also joined by lawn tennis veteran player, Ms. Dirma T. Frias, and Dr. Rudy Tablizo, the University’s Sports Director.The event recognized the outstanding achievements of the young athletes across three brackets: Beginners A and B Tournament, and Advanced Tournament.Dexter Tel emerged as the champion in Beginners A, while Merrydel Ann Santos secured the top spot in Beginners B. In the Advanced Tournament, Liezle Gonzales demonstrated exceptional talent, claiming the title.In his message during the ceremony, Dr. Azanza commended the participants for their dedication and commitment to the sport.“What we need is not only mind, but a healthy body because overall, health is more than wealth. Being active into sports, is kadakulang bagay na mababalanse in order to have a holistic development – Better start it right, to put us in the right path.”Further, Dr. Azanza thanked all the sponsors, Dr. Stephen Bagadiong, and the parents for the full support and efforts, forward-looking for victories in the future sports events. “We look forward to the time to have champions not just in the region, but also at the national level,” the President said in closing.
More than 60 Catandunganon youth leaders have come together at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium for the ‘Local Youth Assembly’ to exchange ideas, foster collaboration for civic engagement, and strengthen participation in Democratic Governance.Organized by Siklab Pilipinas, in collaboration with the Local Youth Development Office of Catanduanes, USAID, The Asia Foundation, CatSU, and other stakeholders, the one-day forum united a diverse group of passionate youth leaders from different organizations throughout the province. As a former youth leader himself, during his time as chairman of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) Student Council, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza threw his full support to the activity and looked forward to the Catandunganon youths’ participation. “I hope that the youth from the island province of Catanduanes will actively participate in identifying and exemplifying the importance of youth leadership and civic engagement in addressing pressing community issues,” Dr. Azanza said in a video message on Tuesday, August 1. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀As the keynote speaker in the kick-off ceremony of the activity, Gov. Joseph C. Cua, represented by Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Susan Isidoro, recognized the activity as a transformative platform that enables the Catandunganon youth to engage in youth-led initiatives. “Always remember, the youth are not passive bystanders; rather, you actively shape the world you desire,” the governor stated. Meanwhile, introducing the goal and objectives of YouthLed, Senior Youth Leadership Development Specialist Emil Tapnio discussed the various programs and activities of the organization, which involve leadership development, coalition-building, and civic education and engagement. Following the opening program, Gemar Moreno, the moderator, facilitated a discussion with the dynamic speakers: Legal Assistant Officer James Nathaniel Refugio, from Naga City Planning and Development Office, and Sagguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President of Sipocot, Masbate Mary May Loria. 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱Believing in the power of youth, Refugio urged the youth participants to challenge the status quo and be agents to solve the long-standing problems of their communities. “We are called to serve and live beyond,” he added.A series of focused-group discussions followed, which tackled on understanding the various issues in the community; sharing youths’ learning experiences; and the journey of an empowered community leader. Taking part also at the event were CatSU student affair’s newly appointed Director Francis John B. Templonuevo, who extended his gratitude to the organizer for taking the lead to empower young leaders in the province; Siklab Pilipinas Consultant Samantha Sadorra; National Youth Commission Commissioner Reena Pineda, who expressed her full support through a video message; and other YouthLed officials, together with the facilitators.
One hundred seventy-one (171) qualified students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) attended the orientation for the Tulong Dunong Program - State University and College (TDP-SUC) on Wednesday, August 2, at the university auditorium, and were informed that they will receive a one-time scholarship grant worth P7,500 for the academic year 2023-2024. As cited by Office of Student Scholarship, Financial Assistance, Career Development and Placement Services (OSSFACDPS) Director Dr. Gemma M. Samas, the Php1.3 million worth of the locally funded scholarship program was made possible through the efforts of CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who sought the support of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda for funding allocation.The OSSFACDPS director also underscored the importance of maintaining a 1.90 General Weighted Average (GWA) on the part of the scholars for their renewal, as stipulated under the program’s guidelines.To extend the program and serve more beneficiaries, Dr. Azanza will keep on seeking additional funding, and he shared that Sen. Legarda was committed to continuing the program in 2024. Addressing the TDP-SUC recipients, the CatSU president congratulated the deserving scholars and challenged them to do their part.“Maadal talaga ning marinas asin masakripisyo. Kung kamo mahiling ko na nakatapos, maogma ako, ta ibig sabihon successful ang programang ini na pinun’an sa time kan satuyang administrasyon,” Dr. Azanza advised, as he himself was also a pioneer recipient of presidential scholarship grant at the University of the Philippines from his undergraduate to post-graduate studies.Supporting the testament of the president, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo reminded the beneficiaries of their responsibilities to remain in the program.“Although may mga allowances tayo pero kailangan nating pagtrabahuhan para ma-maintain ang scholarship grant,” the VPAA said.Accepting the responsibility, Hazel Joyce Tornilla, an incoming third-year elementary education student from Panganiban campus, was grateful for the opportunity. “Nawalan na ako ng hope sa dami ng inapplyan na scholarship, pero unexpectedly nakapasok sa program na ito. Malaking tulong ito sa pag-aaral ko bilang anak ng isang PWD na ama at tanging kuya ko lamang ang nagpapaaral sa akin,” Tornilla shared at the event. Also joining the orientation was the university registrar, Marilyn G. Tejada, together with Prof. Ma. Sofia S. Llaguno, and Director Reashiela L. Khan of English Language and Speech Communication Services.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) takes a significant step towards enhancing public service and community welfare with the adoption of its "Free Zone" policy. Spearheaded by CatSU SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, this policy fosters a collaborative approach to address people's problems and prioritize the community's benefit.President Azanza firmly believes that when leaders work together, solutions to people's issues become attainable, and the community becomes the primary beneficiary. In a heartfelt statement, he explained, "‘Yan ang dahilan kaya I adopted the policy for CatSU to serve as a Free Zone. Meaning bukas sana ang CatSU na magtabang sa gabos na gusto magtabang. Ta pag arog kita kaan, ang magana pirmi an mga tawo… That is what public service is all about…"The "Free Zone" policy aims to create an environment where CatSU is open to assisting anyone in need. The university seeks to contribute to the well-being of the entire community by actively addressing their concerns and offering support to those who require it the most.In line with this commitment, Congressman Leo Rodriguez has collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) to address the medical expenses of CatSU students availing themselves of vital tests, such as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and x-ray examinations. Through the Medical Assistance to Individuals Program (MAIP) Funds, facilitated by Congressman Leo, students can have their bills covered for essential medical procedures at partnering hospitals, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC), and Catanduanes Doctors Hospital Inc. (CDHI).
A groundbreaking initiative led by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has brought together the Local Government Unit of Virac and the Catanduanes Medical Society to offer free Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and medical consultation services for all incoming first-year students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU). The program, which commenced on August 1, is set to run until August 4, providing much-needed medical support to students and their families.Dr. Azanza's vision is to establish strong partnerships with local governments, stakeholders, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to address the financial burdens associated with the mandatory medical procedures required for enrollment. This initiative aims to ease the stress on students and their parents and ensure that every incoming student can pursue their academic journey without financial constraints."Our students' well-being is our utmost priority, and we are committed to creating an environment that fosters accessible education for all," emphasized Dr. Azanza. "By joining hands with the Local Government of Virac and the Catanduanes Medical Society, we strive to remove barriers to education and ensure that every incoming student can seamlessly pursue their academic journey without financial constraints."The event, which took place at Virac Plaza Rizal, has garnered significant attention and appreciation from the student community. As queues formed to take advantage of this opportunity, students expressed their gratitude for the university's dedication to their welfare."Dakulang tabang po sa mga estudyante na arog sako na hari sa simpleng pamilya ang free medical check-up," shared May Benavidez, an incoming CatSU BSND student, expressing her gratitude. Present during this event were Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes and Vice Mayor Arlynn H. Arcilla, who actively participated in the medical consultation service. VM Arcilla, being a doctor by profession, exemplified the spirit of community service, providing much-needed medical assistance to the students.This collaborative effort between CatSU, the Local Government of Virac, and the Catanduanes Medical Society marks a promising stride toward fostering a more inclusive educational experience for all incoming students.
Attended by hundreds of students from five colleges, Catanduanes State University President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza told the incoming first year, transferees, and returning students to submit their certificate of indigency in the absence of medical tests during the Pre-enrollment Orientation on Monday, July 31. “Do not worry, mag-present sana kamong certificate of indigency sa medical officer, libre man an na makukuha sa mga barangay. No one should be refused to enroll dahil daeng imo para magpa-medical buda laboratory tests,” the president assured the students at the university gymnasium.“Gigibuhan ta an ning paagi, later on, kung papano kamo maka-comply sa mga requirement,” the president added. In response to the president's pronouncement, students, including the faculty from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, College of Business and Accountancy, College of Education, College of Health Science, and College of Engineering and Architecture, cheered and gave a round of applause. Echoing the directive of the president, the university registrar, Ms. Marilyn G. Tejada, reiterated to the students the importance of securing the above-cited certificate and advised them to counter-check their Certificate of Enrollment (COE) upon issuance with their prospectus to avoid conflicts. “Provide a certificate of indigency before proceeding to your respective deans’ offices and compare your COEs to your prospectus,” Tejada stated while discussing the topic about the policies on admission, registration, evaluation, and grading systems. Meanwhile, Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS) newly-designated Director Prof. Francis John B. Templonuevo, informed the incoming students about their office’s mandate and urged them to participate in the university’s co-curricular programs and activities.“Partner tayo, if may concern kayo, bukas ang aming opisina para riyan. Kami rin ang in-charge sa pag-monitor at guide sa mga students’ activities,” the OSADS director said. Introducing University Student Council (USC) President Francine Mae T. Tayo to present the new design of the proposed student uniform, Prof. Templonuevo urged the incoming CatSUans to practice wearing their school uniform since this is a ‘form of discipline and will serve as their identities’ as students of CatSU. Also present at the event were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, the deans of the five colleges, Prof. Noly T. Benavides from the Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Office, and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Emlyn Lanon. Tomorrow, August 1, Cluster B students and faculty will attend similar orientations from four colleges: College of Information and Communications Technology, College of Industrial Technology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science.The start of classes for undergraduate students will be on August 14, and August 19 for graduate students.